Celebrating Resilience: Somnath Swabhiman Festival Kicks Off with Grand Events

The Somnath Swabhiman Festival has officially begun, celebrating the resilience of the historic temple against past invasions. With a grand drone show and Vedic chants, the event highlights the unwavering spirit of India's cultural heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate, honoring the legacy of those who upheld their values through adversity. The festival serves as a reminder of the temple's rich history and the efforts of notable figures in its reconstruction. Join the celebration and share your experiences with the hashtag 'Somnath Swabhiman Festival'.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 8, 2026, 11:27 IST

Inauguration of the Somnath Swabhiman Festival

The historic Somnath Temple resonated with the sounds of Vedic chants and Omkar, while the sky above the Arabian Sea lit up with a spectacular drone show, marking the commencement of the three-day 'Somnath Swabhiman Festival' in the coastal city. This event serves as a reminder of the temple's resilience and reconstruction despite the repeated invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni.

Jitu Vaghani, a spokesperson for the state government and cabinet minister, announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Somnath on the evening of January 10 to participate in the celebrations.

Prime Minister Modi's Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the 'Somnath Swabhiman Festival', starting Thursday, is a tribute to the countless sons of India who have never compromised on their principles and values. In a post on social media platform 'X', he expressed, 'Jai Somnath! The Somnath Swabhiman Festival begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, the Somnath Temple faced its first invasion. The attack in 1026 and subsequent assaults could not shake our eternal faith. Instead, they strengthened the spirit of cultural unity in India, leading to the temple's repeated restoration.'

Participation and Social Media Engagement

On January 11, Prime Minister Modi will join the festivities. He shared some photographs from his previous visits to Somnath on social media, encouraging citizens who have visited the temple to share their pictures with the hashtag 'Somnath Swabhiman Festival'.

Modi emphasized, 'This occasion of the Somnath Swabhiman Festival is a time to remember the countless sons of India who have never compromised on their principles and values, regardless of how difficult and terrifying times may have been, their resolve remained unwavering.'

Historical Reflections

He also shared glimpses from an event held on October 31, 2001, marking the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the reconstructed Somnath Temple, which took place in 1951 in the presence of then-President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Modi noted the significant contributions of Sardar Patel, K.M. Munshi, and many other prominent figures in the temple's reconstruction efforts. The 2001 event was attended by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister L.K. Advani, along with several dignitaries.